Grooming Basics

Let's start off with something very basic. Daily skin care regime, dental hygiene & not smelling gross. These are things you should do every day. I shower daily, sometimes twice if I work up a sweat and would like to smell nice later when I go out to socialize.

Here's what I use on a daily basis and in fact just used moments ago:

Left to Right:
Clear Days Ahead Oil Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser (by Philosophy)
Oil Free Moisture Sensitive Skin (by Neutrogena)
Sugar Cookie Cologne Spray (by Demeter)
Hot Cocoa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath (by Philosophy)
Mitchum Power Gel Anti-perspirant Deodorant (by Revlon)
Oral-B Vitality Electric Rechargeable toothbrush (by Oral-B Braun)
Colgate Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening toothpaste (by Colgate-Palmolive)



Ok, so why use all this ridiculous stuff?! To look and smell presentable to the rest of society! And maybe that special someone! *wink wink*

I love all these brands and personally use and endorse them. However, I wasn't paid to endorse them. And I won't be shy to share with you the positive and negative consequences of using any product. That said, here's why I use what I use.

Acne cleanser: 
Even if you don't have acne, I recommend some kind of face wash. Whatever works for your skin type. I have acne. It's a thing. Don't be ashamed, just take care of it! My skin likes to make black heads on my jawline and nose. It likes to make whiteheads on my nose, cheeks and chin (though occasionally just anywhere!) and I also happen to have cystic acne (which no amount of topical anything will help with). This particular cleanser washes my makeup off and doesn't over dry me. I use it in the morning and at night before going to bed. And any time I just want to take my makeup off.

Moisturizer:
I'm sure there are those of you out there who are like "But my skin is so greasy already!" Whatever. You need moisturizer. Just find an oil free one (like the one I use) or one with salicylic acid in it. I'm also sure there are dudes out there going "I'm a dude, I don't need that!" Yes, you do. If you want a lady to come near the thing you kindly call your face, but we secretly refer to as your sandpaper. My skin is very sensitive. To light, to peroxide, and to perfumes. I love Neutrogena because they make excellent skin care stuff for my sensitive skin. I do not recommend their bar soaps though. Nor bar soaps of any kind. Keep away from that stuff.

Perfume:
Honestly, I didn't start wearing perfume daily til very recently. So this step is totally skippable. I will say this kind wears off very quickly and doesn't irritate my skin/eyes (which is why I never wear any other brand of perfume). Wear it if you feel fancy or have a date. Find out if your date has an allergy to perfume or wears contacts first though. Also skip if you have those things!

Bodywash:
I'll be honest, I like Philosophy for their variety of food-smelling body washes. But they are not very moisturizing in my humble opinion. I skip their brand for all of the winter and use something very moisturizing like Aveeno or St. Ive's. Also, if you have perfume sensitivity, this stuff is NOT for you. I also wouldn't use this (or any other brand) as a bubble bath. They tend to lead to Urinary Tract Infections and Yeast Infections. Gross!

Whatever you pick, make sure you use your loofah to scrub your armpits, butt, and feet. In that order. Everything else is incidental. Those three spots are the most gross. I don't recommend for ladies to use soap directly on their lady area for the same reasons you shouldn't use bubble bath. And the same goes for gentlemen: if your junk is too perfumed, it might not taste too good and/or create an adverse reaction for your partner's... receiving area. Use plenty of running water and a washcloth to get those areas sparkling clean!

Lotion (skipped):
I don't lotion every day, but some people need it. I usually only do it once a week in the dead of winter. I like anything with cocoa and shea butter. I can recommend Palmer's, L'Occitane & St. Ive's in that order.


Deodorant:
I use this brand for a few reasons: its clear and doesn't get on all the black clothes I wear. It is a gel and doesn't flake chunks of white everywhere. It actually works. No other brand keeps me from sweating/smelling as well as this does and I am a sweaty ape. There are two catches: you must let it dry all the way before putting your shirt on. Otherwise, BLAM! It's just on your shirt. The other catch is I have noticed it does still leave a residue on all your clothes. Again, the more you let it dry, the less it will do that but it still does. I can only recommend to occasionally scrub the pits of your shirts to keep it from happening. The problem is the aluminum content (that's what's stuck to your shirt) and any deodorants I've tried without aluminum just don't keep me from stinking. Its the price I pay!


Toothbrush/toothpaste:
I recommend an electric over a manual toothbrush only because it is way more thorough and keeps me from pressing too hard when I brush (I have a slight receding gumline due to this!) I usually use a manual toothbrush in the morning and the electric at night though. Either way, you MUST brush your teeth at least twice a day. Morning & before bed. I also highly recommend before going out at night to a bar/date/social engagement. I don't care if you're just going to drink or eat. Brush your dang teeth. Gross teeth are a big turn off for me and its socially awkward when a friend has nasty things in their smile or bad breath.



So there you have it. Basic daily grooming. If you can manage to do these things on a daily basis, you've made it into society!